Nígánizí Gamik (Council House)

Pikwakanagan operates under a custom election code passed by referendum in March 2009. It is governed by one Chief and six Councillors elected every three years by voting membership of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. The next regular election for Chief and Council will be held 2014.

The Chief and Council are accountable and reports to the members of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Their mission is, "To provide effective and fair Algonquin Government for the benefit of the First Nation."

Chief and Council Roles and Responsiblities:

To identify and respond to the needs of the First Nation and its citizens;

To plan and set long term goals and objectives based on the needs and "Vision" of the First Nation. To ensure that these objectives form the basis of the operations plans for the various organizations reporting to Council, including the Administration;

To maintain and support an effective Administration, and other staff as required from time to time, to deliver the programs and services approved by Council to meet the needs of the First Nation. To monitor the delivery and progress of these programs against the operations plans approved by Council;

To demonstrate credible and consistent leadership by:
a)
Setting clear standards and policies to be respected by all employees and members of Council;
b) Making critical decisions on a timely basis;
c) Setting a consistent example as "role models" for the First Nation, both internally and externally.

To represent the best interest of the First Nation in all external dealings and relationships;

To ensure that all citizens are treated in a fair and just manner with regard to Algonquin laws, regulations and policies; and

To avoid any conflict of interest, real or perceived, an individual member of Council cannot be an employee of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan.

Chief and Council are responsible for various portfolios within the First Nation. The First Nation has several Standing Committees and at least one member of Council is on each committee. The committees consist of: Health and Social; Education; Finance; Personnel and General Administration; Lands, Estates and Membership; Economic Development, Housing and Archeology. The committees provide guidance and a process for planning and decision making for the First Nation.

Algonquins of Ontario Land Claim Negotiations

The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation Chief and Council have been working with the federal and provincial governments to secure a land claim agreement. The land claim agreement aims to include a just recognition of Algonquin rights and title, land natural resources, self-government, compensation and other matters. View more

Negotiations Update

The monthly Algonquin Negotiation Representative (ANR) and the Main Table Negotiation meetings are continuing. Chapters for the Agreement in Principle (AIP) have been drafted by the parties and a tentative agreement reached to include a number of elements. View more

Chief and Council

Kirby earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Anthropology from York University and has partially completed a Masters of Social Work from Carleton University. He holds a Native Counsellors Certificate from the Ministry of Education of Ontario.View more

Councillor

Councillor Jim Meness has been an elected member of Council since 1999. Jim is highly involved in First Nation politics both at the local level and at the national level. Jim is aware of all the issues that affect our people. Jim has been trained in the area of negotiation skills and effective decision making. View more

Wendy-Anne Jocko was born on February 2, 1960 and is the daughter of Leo Jocko and Williamina McKay. She has four children and three grandchildren. Wendy returned to Pikwakanagan in 1996 with her four children when she was posted to Garrison Petawawa. From 1979-2002 Wendy was a member of the Canadian Forces where she served as a Supply Technician. View more

Steven Benoit was born on August 21, 1973 . Steven lives in Pikwakanagan and is the father of three wonderful children. Steven has worked in a variety of public positions where he has gathered experience and brings a very approachable and friendly manner that has workman attitude to everyday business. View more

Barbara Sarazin was born February 17, 1959. Barbara is a member of the Algonquin’s of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Her husband is Gary (Bull) Sarazin, they were married May 1980 he is her rock and life-long partner. Barbara is a mother & grandmother and in her Pikwakanagan Community she is sister, auntie, mom and grandmother to many. View more